A shocking case of neglect has recently been brought to light in Chester Crown Court when it was revealed that a woman had hidden her baby daughter in a drawer for the child’s first three years of life. The woman, whose identity is protected by law to safeguard the child’s anonymity, was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of causing assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and abandonment of the child.
The distressing events unfolded between March 2020 and February 2023, when authorities were alerted that a child was found concealed in a bedroom at a residence in Cheshire. The child, discovered to have been born in March 2020, had been kept a secret from friends and relatives, never even being registered. The child had been hidden away in the bedroom, sometimes sleeping in a drawer under the bed, with minimal care provided by the mother.
Reports stated that the woman sporadically returned to feed the child milky Weetabix through a syringe and change her nappies. Shockingly, the mother would leave the child unattended for extended periods, even leaving her alone in the drawer overnight, including on Christmas Eve while she went elsewhere with her other children. Consequently, the baby girl was severely malnourished, had a cleft palate, and various other unattended medical issues.
Upon discovering the situation, a social worker described her astonishment and horror upon entering the bedroom and finding the child in such a neglected state. The child, unable to crawl, walk, or communicate, exhibited repetitive self-soothing behaviours. Following the child’s admission to hospital, significant progress was observed in her development within a short period.
During the court proceedings, Judge Steven Everett condemned the woman’s actions as beyond belief and wicked. He expressed disbelief at the level of neglect and lack of care shown towards the child, emphasising the long-lasting impact it would have on the child’s life. DC Rachel Di Nicola highlighted the unimaginable suffering the child had endured and commended the child’s remarkable recovery following the distressing ordeal.
The case has left all involved profoundly shocked by the severe neglect uncovered. Authorities continue to monitor the child’s progress and hope for her continued recovery and well-being. This disturbing incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding and protecting the welfare of vulnerable children in our society. Such neglect and cruelty towards a young child are utterly reprehensible and must be met with swift justice to ensure the safety and welfare of all children.